Baby Phat: Cops and Controversy at Fashion Week's Phat Finale
By Karin Nelson
Photos by: Visko Hatfield
More Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
NEW YORK, Oct 28, 2002/ FWD/ --- Last September, when the producers of AbFab -- the British
comedy show that centers on bad behavior -- decided to film scenes for their Christmas episode
before the start of the Baby Phat show at Bryant Park on Sunday night, they got more material
than they ever expected.
A first in fashion show history, many ticket-wielding members of the press were barred from
entering the Baby Phat show when a small army of New York City police officers announced
that the room was already at capacity.
"I don't care who you are, you're not getting in. Now back up!" they barked to a disbelieving
crowd that included the New York Post's Libby Callaway, Full Frontal Fashion's Robert Verdi,
and MTV's Sway.
According to an apologetic publicist, the situation arose because the 200-plus people who
had not been allowed into the preceding Phat Farm show were never cleared from the tents.
"When we opened the room, they bombarded us - we had to call the cops," the rep explained.
"Everyone brings their entourages, you know."
Fortunately, though, VIPs such as Queen Latifah, Tyra Banks, and Mya made their way safely
into the room, via a side entrance.
Editors and stylists, on the other hand, had to huddle en masse before live-feed TV screens
in the lobby to watch Kimora Lee Simmons' spring collection.
Though the clothing was said to be inspired by the Caribbean, the only thing reminiscent of
the islands was the amount of skin exposed.
Denim hot pants were so short the pockets in entirety hung down, and a draped jersey dress
not only revealed one of the model's breasts, but also her bum when she turned around.
And Omayra's bikini top gave new meaning to the term demi-cup.
Not that one would expect anything subtle from Baby Phat.
What one would expect, however, is clothing made of somewhat better quality - a point of
contention that a very vocal grouping of fashion editors clearly expressed.
"If this stuff looks this cheesy on TV, it really is bad!" snapped one of them.
"At least use some nice fabric for the show; save the garbage for the stores!," counseled
another.
The material in question? An iridescent tiger-print velour, lavender leopard-print chiffon,
and a sheer chiffon that appeared to be striped with patent-leather.
Disregarding the material, there were some cool looks, such as a series of strapless
one-piece rompers that cinched at the knees, a pair of knickers elasticized at the cuff
(nothing new, but at least wearable) and a sheer lavender halter top, which was neither
new nor wearable, but looked quite fantastic on the model.
With their slicked-back hair and spherical one-earrings, the girls looked hot, there's
no doubt about that.
The only question was the one the hip-hop peanut gallery raised post-show:
"Now why exactly did we put ourselves through that, for this?"
|
